Most Groundbreaking Video Games of the Last 15 Years

Last updated: January 25, 2022

In the 15 years since Common Sense Media was founded, we've seen huge changes in video gaming. To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we've picked out 15 of the biggest games to be released since 2003. Some made the list for their viral popularity, others for pushing the limits of technology, creativity, and the gaming experience. But what they all have in common is captivating kids and teens around the globe. And thanks to your votes, we were able to come up with the best of the best, with Minecraft at No. 1. For more groundbreaking media, check out one of these lists: Digital Game Changers and Best Books of the Last 15 Years.

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LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game Poster Image
GAME

LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game

age 8+

Kid-friendly game interprets Star Wars with humor.

LittleBigPlanet Poster Image
GAME

LittleBigPlanet

age 8+

Amazing game where you play, create, and share.

PlayStation 3 (2008)
Minecraft Poster Image
GAME

Minecraft

age 8+

Sandbox-style game with open online play fosters creativity.

Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit Poster Image
GAME

Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit

age 8+

Unique making experience melds crafting with video games.

Wii Sports Poster Image
GAME

Wii Sports

age 8+

Inclusive sports played a new way -- fun for all!

Nintendo Wii (2006)
Rock Band Poster Image
GAME

Rock Band

age 10+

A fantastic music game for the entire family.

Super Mario Odyssey Poster Image
GAME

Super Mario Odyssey

age 10+

Great, fun Mario adventure is an instant classic on Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Poster Image
GAME

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

age 10+

Vast adventure with some combat rewards logical thinking.

Scribblenauts Poster Image
GAME

Scribblenauts

age 11+

Unique puzzles wow with ability to write objects into game.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Poster Image
GAME

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

age 11+

Amazing world simulation can teach players about history.

Windows (2016)
Portal Poster Image
GAME

Portal

age 12+

Innovative puzzler with first-person action.

Windows (2008)
Final Fantasy XV Poster Image
GAME

Final Fantasy XV

age 13+

Epic tale has deep gameplay and characters, loads of combat.

Fortnite Poster Image with three players standing on edge of cliff holding weapons.
GAME

Fortnite

age 13+

Battle it out or use strategy in fantastic action game.

World of Warcraft Poster Image
GAME

World of Warcraft

age 16+

Become a hero in an enormous online fantasy world.

Windows , Mac (2004)
God of War (2018) Poster Image
GAME

God of War (2018)

age 17+

Bloody, gory, mature myth-based action/adventure is amazing.

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